Landmark Greenwich regeneration scheme with potential for nearly 800 homes called in by the Mayor of London’s office

TypeNews

Date14/08/2018

The planning application for a 770,000 sq ft mixed-use regeneration scheme promoted by GVA on behalf of Rockwell Property has been called in for determination by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, following the decision by Royal Borough of Greenwich to refuse the proposals. GVA provided Planning and Valuation services.

The Charlton Riverside scheme on Anchor and Hope Lane, SE7, would deliver nearly 800 new homes across 11 buildings that are up to 10 storeys in height, with supporting community facilities and extensive new areas of public realm, as well as 35,000 sq ft of new commercial space. This site would be the first to come forward for new housing development in the Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area. The scheme includes an offer of 35% affordable housing in line with Sadiq Khan’s target.

Mark Gibney, who heads GVA’s London Planning Team has been leading the project and said: “This is a positive sign that many of London’s property developers have been hoping to see since the local elections concluded in May. This shows a willingness from the Mayor to intervene in boroughs where high quality design is promoted and there is a strong commitment to delivering affordable homes. Getting house building moving at a faster pace is needed to meet demand and address London’s housing crisis.”

The application, accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment, was recommended for approval by the Council’s planning officers, but was unanimously turned down by Members, citing reasons of overdevelopment and that the proposals were not in keeping with the Council’s own Charlton Riverside Masterplan SPD.

The residential-led proposals, designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, have overcome a significant number of environmental constraints due to its location in a low-rise industrial area in close proximity to operating Safeguarded Wharves and within a flood zone. The scheme has also responded to a new Masterplan that was published and adopted by the Council half way through the application process which led to a Conservation Area being designated on the adjacent site.